The 476-acre resort, hailed a “fabulous opportunity” by one local councillor, is set to open in 2031 and attract 8.5m visitors in its first year.
The Government has promised a major investment in infrastructure and transport around the site to support the project.
Sir Keir Starmer said: “It’s going to put Bedford on the map for millions of people – film lovers, people coming here for fun, people building their careers here.
“I don’t think this is quite what they meant. But look, this is our plan for change in action, bringing investment, bringing opportunity, growth, jobs, and, of course, joy to Britain.”
He said there were “tough days” in Government but launching the theme park development was “completely different”.
She said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to make this announcement today, along with the amazing theme park, comes so much more.
Marc Frost, a Conservative councillor for Wixams and Wilstead ward on Bedford Borough Council, called it a “fabulous opportunity for Bedford and the UK”.
The location of the first Universal theme park in Europe (Photo: Universal Destinations & Experiences/Comcast/PA Wire)The Prime Minister was shown a computer-generated image of the park (Photo: John Sibley/Pool Photo via AP)“We’re all very excited. We’re bringing jobs, bringing opportunity, and it’ll be a wonderful tourist destination.”
Work on the station began last year and was scheduled to be completed in 2026, but this is expected to be delayed.
The process involves the Housing Secretary approving a development instead of the relevant local authority, and is not typically used for theme parks.
Lee Melville, chair of Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Parish Council, said it was “amazing news”.
“We’ve engaged very well with the Universal officials. They’ve listened very carefully to the concerns that we had and that people living in the community have had.”
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Both Universal and local residents had raised concerns about traffic and pushed for these upgrades as part of the deal struck with the Government.
“It’s really going to improve employment opportunities, housing, and obviously it’s going to put Kempson Hardwick and Stewartby on the map, and Bedford on the map.
Local resident Margaret Wilson, 85, told the PA news agency: “I wouldn’t go, but I have two grandsons, 19 and 16. They might go.
She added: “Before Covid, Bedford was a market town. It’s not where it used to be.
Jagdeep Singh, a 36-year-old business change analyst from Kempton, said: “I think it’s going to bring a lot of people to our town, it’s going to drive our businesses and bring jobs for people.
But he added that the sheer numbers of visitors could have a negative impact.
The Prime Minister welcomed Mike Cavanagh, the president of Universal’s parent company Comcast Corporation, to Downing Street to mark the announcement.
Universal theme parks have included attractions linked to its movie franchises and blockbusters, such as Minions, ET, Jurassic Park, Fast & Furious, Kung Fu Panda and Shrek.
The firm has five entertainment and resort complexes around the world – two in the US and others in Beijing, Osaka and Singapore.
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